EVA Insoles Tested & Reviewed | Are They Worth It?
This article will explain the EVA Insole, how it works, and whether it's worth it. At the end of the article, I will be giving my honest opinion and personal experience with EVA insoles.
What we Like
Comfortable
Lightweight
Flexible
What We Don't
Moderate Shock Absorption
Decent Durability
What are the EVA insoles?
EVA is short for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, which is a lightweight foam compound made for the insoles of many popular shoes and boots. Eva insoles have several key features, including being lightweight, durable, excellent shock absorption, and arch support.
Many popular shoe brands, hiking boots, and everyday footwear use EVA insoles. For the purposes of this article, we will be sharing our personal experience with EVA insoles in hiking boots. Another competitor to the EVA insole is polyurethane, a material known for its heavier weight and stiffness. The polyurethane insole is also slightly more expensive.
How Do EVA Insoles Work?
EVA insoles are known to be flexible, which helps them conform to the shape of the user's foot. This helps maintain a tight fit, allowing for even pressure distribution while walking or running. While the foot strikes, the foam helps absorb the user's weight.
When discussing the flexibility versus stiffness of an insole, the ability of hiking boots to withstand rough terrain can present a paradox. More flexible insoles tend to conform too much to the rough terrain surfaces, thereby reducing traction. An insole that is more stiff does not conform to the surface, so it holds traction against uneven terrain. In contrast, an insole that is more flexible is generally more comfortable because it's able to adapt to the shape of the foot. Because it is less forgiving, a stiff insole is known to cause pain and discomfort.
Are EVA insoles worth it?
I must say the EVA insole is very forgiving and flexible, which aids in comfort during long treks and hikes. They offer decent shock absorption. Many of the hiking boots I personally tested have excellent outsoles to begin with, such as Vibram or Contagrip, which are amazing at shock absorption; therefore, it is difficult to tell how well the insole is working in terms of shock absorption. I must say these are some of the best insoles for pressure distribution. While hiking, I did not feel any hot spots or areas of overcompression. In my opinion, these insoles are definitely worth it.
My Experience with EVA Insoles
I've tested many hiking boots with the EVA Insole, such as the Hoka Kaha 2, Hoka Anacapa 2, and Merrell Moab 3. While testing these hiking boots, I came across multiple areas of uneven, rough terrain. The forgiving nature of the EVA insole did make it tough to hold traction on some of these surfaces; however, the comfort is undeniable.
The EVA insole is thin, so I was skeptical it would be comfortable. To my surprise, I find the EVA Insole to be one of the most comfortable insoles currently available. In terms of durability and wear and tear, I noticed that some of my EVA insoles started to lose their comfort and shock absorption after a year or around 150 miles of hiking. If you are an experienced hiker who goes out every weekend, I recommend changing your insoles approximately every year or year and a half. Overall, I had a wonderful experience with the EVA insole and would recommend it to hikers all around.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of EVA soles?
EVA insoles are known to be lightweight, durable, and comfortable. The makeup of these insoles are very thin yet have very subtle comfort. They also are more cost effective than most insoles on the market.
How long do EVA insoles typically last
This depends on the user, how much they weigh, the type of activity and how many miles they travel on their hiking boots. Users online claim they can last over 600 miles however, in my personal experience my EVA insoles only last 150 miles.
What are the signs that my EVA insoles need replacing
Once you begin to feel the insole is "flat" and does not have the plushness you first felt when you purchased them that's a sign to replace them. Personally, when I notice the insole is no longer conforming to my foot shape is a sign to replace them as well.
How We Personally Tested And Our Methodology
I personally tested the EVA insole on many different hiking boot brands with the sole intent of giving you the most unbiased review possible. Mountaineer Journey is a 100% independent publisher with years of testing and reviewing outdoor equipment.
We currently purchase the products we test with our own money, and are not paid by any company or manufacturer to influence our opinions or decisions.
Adventure Awaits,
Tyler